Tag: shining the Light

Have you ever mishandled a situation and ended up hurting someone’s feelings?

Have you ever given bad advice that turned a minor incident into full-out drama?

Have you ever felt inadequate to the task or overwhelmed by your responsibilities?

Have you ever felt too immature? Have you ever wondered when you’ll gain the wisdom that’s supposed to come with age and experience?

And have you ever had one of those weekends where you felt ALL of those things at once?

If you’re anything like me, perhaps you then start wanting to retreat. That’s it…I quit. I’m obviously not the right person for the job. What was I thinking? When those types of thoughts start swirling around, we need to remember the source. How does the song go? “This little light of mine, I’m going to let it shine. Don’t let Satan…..”

Of course we’re going to make mistakes and demonstrate immaturity or lack of wisdom. When those less than stellar moments happen back to back, it can be tempting to walk away. We might think we’re doing it for the greater good (“Someone else can do a better job”) but we need to remember that sometimes it takes humbling events to catch our attention and cause growth. Just do better next time. Learn from it. Pray for wisdom and spiritual maturity. When we feel frustrated and idiotic, we have a choice. We can allow Satan to blow out our light or we can trust God to help us do better next time.

For it is for this we labor and strive, because we have fixed our hope on the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of believers (1 Tim. 4:10).

Suggestions for the Week:

1. If you’ve messed up somehow, do what you can to remedy the situation. Do you need to ask for forgiveness? Do you need to consider the big picture? Do you need to help clean up a mess you’re partly responsible for?

2. Pray for patience with yourself. Pray for wisdom.

3. Don’t indulge in a pity party.

4. Open the Word. Study passages that have to do with spiritual maturity and determine to apply them to your life.

This year’s theme at Higher Ground was “A Dark World Needs Bright Lights,” but it’s easy to get discouraged when we think in terms of the whole world. It’s big, dark, and seemingly determined to reject God. There are some simple ways, though, that we can light up our world. We can make a difference in all the places we are this week…our homes and our communities. And imagine the difference it can make when we’re all lighting up our own little corners together!

We can light up our world by smiling. Such a simple thing, really, but what an impact! I have to remind myself that my face doesn’t naturally fall into a joyful expression. Instead, it looks rather annoyed, or “long,” as someone recently pointed out. But I know many who are smiling every time I see them. It lifts me up, and makes me want to smile in return. I imagine all who come in contact with them are blessed, simply because the joy in their heart is reflected on their face (Phil. 4:4; Psa. 16:9; Prov. 10:28). I can smile more. Surely I can do that.

We can light up our world by having a positive outlook. You probably know someone like this. Their life isn’t easy, but you wouldn’t know it from their words. They talk (and post) about the good in life, and the Source of their blessings. They keep looking up. Their trust in God permeates their attitude and demeanor. Because of their serenity, others are drawn to them, and want to know the secret to their peaceful confidence. How are they living brightly? Their lack of pessimism and complaint stands out, and points the way to Christ (Phil. 2:14; 4:11). If being optimistic helps others see Jesus, what does my grumbling do? I need to remember that.

We can light up our world by encouraging others to see the Word. I’m thankful for the people in my life who do this. Their posts contain Scripture. They turn their life experiences into teaching opportunities. They remind us why we’re here, what the Bible has to say, and how we can make it real. With all of the worldly messages swirling around us, I am especially grateful for those who combat it with glimpses into the eternal, hope-giving Word. We can never get enough of that. They shine by turning simple, daily rituals into opportunities to plant the Seed (Mark 16:15; Psa. 96:3; Rom. 1:16). What if each day I look for at least one way to share the Word. Will it make a difference? Oh yes. God’s Word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:12). All I have to do is remember to help others see it.

None of the three ways I’ve mentioned involve money or a great deal of time. There’s no fear of embarrassment or persecution, usually. It’s just letting God’s love shine through the darkness in simple ways.

Suggestions for the Week:

Smile. Smile at your spouse and your children. Smile in the checkout lines. Smile in traffic. Smile instead of scowl.

No complaining, grumbling, mumbling, or sharing aggravations in the office, at the ball field, or on social media. Just don’t do it, at least for this week. Remember, your goal is to light up your world not sound like your world.

Share, post, or tweet each day something about God’s Word.

Become a name-dropper. God’s name, that is. In your casual conversations, look for ways to insert ways that God blesses, protects, and strengthens.

What a week! Do you find yourself thinking that more and more? We live in a world of violence, tensions, unrest, and anger. People are shaking their heads and asking, “What is this world coming to?” Christians know the answer to that question. We need to be ready to share it. But first, how will those in the world know to come to us? They need to see God’s peace in us.

Many are wringing their hands in fear and frustration. We need to be folding our hands in prayer. We need to be extending our hands to give and help.

The faces around us are anxious. Our brows need to be smooth and our expressions should reflect the calm in our hearts.

The words swirling everywhere on the news and social media are angry and provoking. Our words need to be healing and life-giving.

The world needs to see something different in us. Yes, we are indeed surrounded by violence and injustice. But we are filled with the peace of God.

“You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on Your, because he trusts in You” (Isa. 26:3)

“Great peace have those who love Your law, and nothing causes them to stumble” (Psa. 119:165).

“The Lord gives strength to His people; the Lord blesses His people with peace” (Psa. 29:11).

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:27).

“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Phil. 4:6,7).

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit” (Rom. 15:13).

Let’s show the world this God-given peace! They may be ready for the security that comes from serving the One who is in control.

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all” (2 Thess. 3:16).

Suggestions for the Week:

If you are struggling with fear and anxiety, pray for peace. Your trust in God during these unstable times will draw others.

“Rise and shine, friend. Everyone you meet today is on heaven’s Most Wanted list.”

(Charles R. Swindoll)

I love this quote. It’s a reminder and a challenge for me. It reminds me that my attitude affects my ability to impact others for Christ. It challenges me to see each new day as an opportunity to think souls. Rise and shine!

“Do all things without grumbling or disputing;so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world.”

(Phil. 2:14,15)

There are many reasons to grumble, I know. Politics. The high expense of health care. Job insecurity. Maybe Monday mornings are on that list for you. We all have personal reasons to grumble. But what are any of these in light of a soul? Let’s lay aside our grumbles and look for ways to shine. The people around us need Christ. Does grumbling lift Him up for all to see?

Be mindful of your face. It’s the first thing people see. Smile warmly as you interact with EVERY person.

If your list of reasons to grumble seems overly long, remember that your list of reasons to smile is even longer. Write down your blessings and keep adding to that list each day this week. This would be a fun family activity.

Your cheer will be obvious in an unhappy world. Some will comment on it. Be ready to give a thought provoking answer for “the hope that is within you” (1 Peter 3:15).

My son, Dale, said, “We can Think Souls all day long but we need to get beyond the thinking and start doing something about it.” What specific way can you reach souls this week?

Not only is it Monday, it’s Monday after the time change. What better time to stand out and make a difference?! Here’s a little checklist of ways we can shine the Light one day at a time, every day this week.

___ Smile warmly at everyone. Smile as soon as you see your spouse, your children, neighbors, co-workers, store clerks, teachers, bus drivers, and even the ones who are being inconsiderate.

___Share the Word somehow. It can be done naturally. We can just slip it into routine conversations by saying something like, “That reminds me of a verse I read this morning…”

___Refrain from complaining. Everyone hears enough of it as it is. What will happen if we determine to go the entire day without voicing a single complaint? Those around us will be blessed and so will our own hearts.

___Focus on others. Maybe this one isn’t all that easy, but what an impact we can make by taking our minds off of ourselves! I’m tired. I don’t feel great. I’ve got a boatload of work to do. While those thoughts may be true, let’s focus more on everyone around us. She must be so tired…how can I make her life a little easier?

A short list is a manageable one. The things on this list aren’t rocket science, but they sure stand out. And at the end of each day we won’t regret the forethought and effort it took to look a little more like Christ.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Prayer for Today: Be with us, Lord, as we look for ways to glorify You.

Like this:

At Higher Ground this year, Mandy Thomas started our day off one morning with a beautiful devotional thought. Based on Matthew 5:16, she said our goal is to “live brightly.” This phrase has stuck in my mind ever since. I am thankful for the many in my life who shine consistently.

Some shine by smiling. Such a simple thing, really, but what an impact! I have to remind myself that my face doesn’t naturally fall into a joyful expression. Instead, it looks rather annoyed, or “long,” as someone recently pointed out. But I know many who are smiling every time I see them. It lifts me up, and makes me want to smile in return. I imagine all who come in contact with them are blessed, simply because the joy in their heart is reflected on their face (Phil. 4:4; Psa. 16:9; Prov. 10:28). I can smile more. Surely I can do that.

Some shine by having a positive outlook. Their life isn’t easy, but you wouldn’t know it from their words. They talk (and post) about the good in life, and the Source of their blessings. They keep looking up. Their trust in God permeates their attitude and demeanor. Because of their serenity, others are drawn to them, and want to know the secret to their peaceful confidence. How are they living brightly? Their lack of pessimism and complaint stands out, and points the way to Christ (Phil. 2:14; 4:11). If being optimistic helps others see Jesus, what does my grumbling do? I need to remember that.

Some shine by encouraging others to see the Word. Their posts contain Scripture. They turn their life experiences into teaching opportunities. They remind us why we’re here, what the Bible has to say, and how we can make it real. With all of the worldly messages swirling around us, I am especially grateful for those who combat it with glimpses into the eternal, hope-giving Word. We can never get enough of that. They shine by turning simple, daily rituals into opportunities to plant the Seed (Mark 16:15; Psa. 96:3; Rom. 1:16). What if each day I look for at least one way to share the Word. Will it make a difference? Oh yes. God’s Word is living and powerful (Heb. 4:12). All I have to do is remember to help others see it.

Looking at how others are living brightly, I notice that none of the three ways I’ve mentioned involve money or a great deal of time. There’s no fear of embarrassment or persecution, usually. They’re just letting God’s love shine through them. And I’ve been blessed because of it.

Prayer for Today: Thank you, Lord, for those who spread Your love by reflecting Your Son.

Like this:

Teaching (and even admonishing) can be done without insulting or disparaging others. Righteous indignation is something Christians will and should feel, but surely that doesn’t give us the right to passionately belittle others. How we speak is just as important as what we speak. And although tone is not as easily “heard” in print, word choice conveys quite a bit of the attitude behind the writer. When making a point, orally or typewritten, consider the following reasons to omit offensive language:

To practice the Golden Rule. We all want to learn and grow, which involves being reproved at times. But none of us wants an insult included with the rebuke. We would feel personally attacked instead of lovingly corrected. We would ask the one teaching or admonishing us to do so without being ugly or smart-alecky. So if we prefer to be taught with respect, why would it be okay to teach someone else in a disrespectful way (Matt. 7:12)?

To avoid sounding like the world. Rudeness and name-calling are all around us. We’re to act differently, and react differently. Our words when teaching, correcting, or convincing need to be obviously loving, or we’re guilty of conforming to the world in an area the Bible places great emphasis on–our speech (Col. 4:6).

To demonstrate love. The people in our lives that we dearly love sometimes need admonishing. How do we speak to them? Patiently. Kindly. Tenderly. We would never dream of hurting or ridiculing them; we just want to help them! So we choose our words carefully in hopes of conveying that. If love is our motivation behind convicting others, let’s make sure no one ever has to question that (1 Cor. 13:4).

To avoid detracting from the message. Some might think that using scorn or derision makes what we have to say more emphatic. It emphasizes something alright. It emphasizes the personality of the speaker/ teacher. Is that the objective? Speaking the truth in a respectful way does not dilute it or make it less meaningful. On the contrary, it shows we care about getting it right (Eph. 4:15).

To represent the Lord’s church accurately. The world is watching and listening. They see our interactions with one another. What are they supposed to think when they see us insulting others (while supposedly standing for what’s right), using words like “stupid,” “idiotic,” etc.? They know disrespect when they see it, and it has no business coming out of the mouths (or keyboards) of Christians (John 13:35).

We must teach and admonish, but we must also be careful to do so in a way that shines the Light instead of shaming the church.

Prayer for Today: Lord, may my passionate convictions be tempered with the tongue of lovingkindness.